"Many prospective business people want to discuss their issues before they initiate formal applications with the city," said Planning Commission Anne Johnson in a statement. "Just discussing their concerns and issues informally seems to help."

The third Sunday of April will now be known as Kelp Day in Laguna Beach, a move initiated by Mayor Jane Egly and unanimously approved by the City Council, according to a news release.

The council received several calls, emails and personal requests to declare the Kelp Day proclamation, which was first started by 17-year-old Girl Scout Patricia Cosulich after this year's third annual Kelp Fest. Patricia has worked for a couple years on her "Help the Kelp" campaign as part of her efforts to earn her Gold Award, the highest award in the Girl Scouts, the release said.

"She has made an impact on thousands of people and changed the world," said kelp forest restorer Nancy Caruso in a statement. "She has had art contests and art displays centered around the ocean, she has created educational events to teach people about the importance of kelp, she was even invited by Disney to be on TV, where she talked about kelp. This year, she added the Girl Scout component to KelpFest with more than 100 scouts in attendance and they all performed musical acts."

Cosulich was set to receive her Gold Award on Monday. For more information on Cosulich's efforts or to help out, email helpthekelp@gmail.com.

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Everybody's going surfing

The waiting period for the 50th Brooks Street Surf Contest has begun. The contest takes place Saturdays and Sundays and only Laguna Beach residents can participate, according to the registration form.

The surf contest is touted as the oldest surfing classic in the world, according to a news release from City Manager John Pietig's office.

The Laguna Beach Unified School District will host a public hearing regarding its final 2012-13 All Funds District Budget during its regular school board meeting at 6 p.m. June 26 at 550 Blumont St., inside the district's education center board room.

—Alisha Gomez

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Mozambique to host pet rescue fundraiser

Mozambique will host a fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. June 27 to help rescue the nonprofit foundation Animal Crackers Pet Rescue, which is looking for a new home.

"We have enormous veterinarian bills for the animals we rescue and my landlord is not going to renew my lease," said Gina Katzenbedian, owner of the pet shop in the Aliso Creek Shopping Center.

The shop funds the efforts of the foundation Katzenbedian created when she was overwhelmed by the personal costs of rescuing pets doomed to death or misery.

The fundraiser will include food, live entertainment, a silent auction and an opportunity prize. A $25 donation is requested. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

For more information about the foundation or the event, call (949) 499-1988 or (949) 241-3267.